Modern Foreign Languages - Spanish
Curriculum Statement (Intent)
In today's globally connected world, we appreciate the importance of pupils learning another language. We aim for all our Key Stage 2 pupils to access weekly Spanish lessons, in accordance with the National Curriculum, in order that they develop the vocabulary and grammatical skills needed to talk about and understand key concepts in Spanish, and participate in a basic conversation. We aspire to ensure that all pupils leave Freezywater St Georges, not only with a basic knowledge of Spanish vocabulary, but also with an understadning of how language is learnt, in order that they are able to either build on the foundations of their Spanish learning at KS3, or begin to acquire another new language at this point.
The Teaching of Spanish (Implementation)
A Specialist Teacher is employed to deliver Spanish lessons because we value the importance of this being done to a good standard, and recognise that a high level of expertise is required to ensure this. All pupils in KS2 are taught Spanish for 50 minutes per week, and this is revisited over the course of their week with their own class teacher to make sure that they retain any new vocabulary or grammar concepts. Pupils cover topics (outlined in the curriuclum map below) intended to equip them with the skills needed to have a basic conversation.
Pupils within each year group within KS2 also have the opportunity to participate in one enrichment activity per year, such as a Spanish lunch. Additionally, there is a whole-school Spanish day during the Summer Term, to enable pupils to learn about the culture of Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries.
The Impact of spanish learning
Through their learning, pupils gain knowledge of Spanish vocabulary, which increases in complexity as they move through the school. They develop their conversation skills in Spanish and by Year 6, are able to hold a basic discussion with someone else in Spanish. Pupils also develop an understanding of Spanish grammar, how this differs from the grammar used in English, and how to apply this when saying and writing sentences. Pupils learn the key skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing in another language, which prepares them for MfL learning at a KS3 level and beyond. They also develop an understanding of the importance of language-learning and communication in today's world.